A Brief History of Sanitary Pads: How Period Products Have Evolved Over Time

Menstruation is a natural part of life, yet managing it with comfort, dignity, and hygiene hasn’t always been easy. From rudimentary rags to today’s eco-friendly pads and period underwear, sanitary products have come a long way.

Let’s take a journey through the fascinating history of sanitary pads and how menstrual care has evolved to meet the changing needs of women around the world.

🌿 1. Ancient Times: Rags, Grass, and Natural Materials

Long before commercial products existed, women used whatever materials were available:

  • In ancient Egypt, women reportedly used softened papyrus.

  • In Greece and Rome, wool or lint was used.

  • In Asia and Africa, women often used cloth rags, banana leaves, moss, or soft grass.

These early materials were often washed and reused, making them surprisingly eco-conscious, though not always sanitary or comfortable.

🧵 2. 19th Century: The Rise of Homemade Solutions

By the 1800s, many women used homemade cloth pads held in place by suspenders or belts. These were washable and reusable, but not always reliable, especially for active women.

Interestingly, during this time, menstruation was often taboo — so discussing or marketing menstrual products publicly was almost unheard of.

🧽 3. Early 20th Century: The Birth of Commercial Sanitary Pads

The first disposable sanitary pad was introduced in 1896 by Johnson & Johnson and was called Lister’s Towels. However, they weren’t widely adopted because of the stigma around menstruation.

The real turning point came during World War I, when nurses began using cellulose bandages (used for wounds) to absorb menstrual flow. This led to the creation of:

  • Kotex pads by Kimberly-Clark in the 1920s

  • The first belted sanitary pads that needed an external belt for support

🩲 4. 1960s–1980s: Adhesive Pads & Disposable Revolution

In the 1970s, the game changed with the invention of adhesive-backed pads, eliminating the need for belts. These products became:

  • More comfortable

  • Easier to use

  • More discreet

Popular brands during this time included Always, Stayfree, and Whisper, which began launching TV ads, breaking menstrual taboos in media.

♻️ 5. 1990s–2010s: Focus on Comfort, Wings, and Variety

This era brought innovation in:

  • “Wings” to hold pads in place

  • Ultra-thin pads with gel technology for better absorption

  • Options for different flow levels, day/night usage, and sensitive skin

Despite the convenience, disposable pads raised concerns about plastic waste and chemical exposure.

🌍 6. 2010s–Today: Sustainable and Inclusive Menstrual Care

In recent years, a major shift has occurred toward eco-friendly, sustainable, and body-positive menstrual products:

  • Reusable cloth pads made of organic cotton

  • Menstrual cups and discs like DivaCup, Flex, and Cora

  • Period underwear brands like NYX Collection, Thinx, and Modibodi

  • Biodegradable disposable pads from brands like Rael, Natracare, and Youwei Trade

This new wave of menstrual care focuses on comfort, sustainability, and breaking taboos around periods.

🌸 Looking Ahead: The Future of Period Products

As more people demand transparency, eco-friendliness, and inclusivity, the future of sanitary pads and menstrual care is likely to include:

  • Smart period tracking devices

  • Compostable materials

  • Subscription-based deliveries

  • And global efforts to make products more accessible to underserved communities

💬 Final Thoughts

From ancient rags to reusable pads and smart period tech, the evolution of sanitary pads reflects both technological progress and changing cultural attitudes. Today, menstruators have more choices than ever — and with rising awareness around health, sustainability, and period equity, the journey is far from over.

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